A New Method for Automatic Definition of Tidal Creek Networks

Abstract

Geng, L.; Gong, Z.; Lanzoni, S., and D'Alpaos, A., 2018. A New Method for Automatic Definition of Tidal Creek Networks. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 156–160. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Tidal creek delineation is the first step in the analysis of the structure and dynamics of tidal creek networks. This study proposed a new creek definition method, in which we determined the critical elevation of creek delineation by the local elevation distribution. This method can be applied to intertidal zones with inclined bed surfaces, showing a better applicability than existing methods. By comparing creek characteristics within a certain small tidal flat using different delineation methods, we evaluated the accuracy of this new method. The size measured by the new method nicely matches results obtained on the basis of the method proposed by Fagherazzi et al. (1999).